Power routing module with ports

ABSTRACT

A circuit board cover having a housing having a first surface, a perimeter edge, a housing cavity partially defined by the first surface and the perimeter edge, a skirt extending from the perimeter edge away from the first surface in a first direction to partially define the housing cavity, and a plurality of ports disposed on the first surface. The housing cavity can be operable to house a printed circuit board. Each of the plurality of ports can include (i) a sidewall extending away from the first surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction, (ii) a port cavity partially defined by the sidewall, and (iii) one or more terminals disposed at least partially within the port cavity.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to a circuit board cover and, moreparticularly, to a circuit board cover configured to simultaneouslyhouse and protect a circuit board and facilitate connection of plugsthereto.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles now have many different lights on various areas of the vehicle.Additionally, vehicle attachments, such as trailers, also containadditional sets of lights. These lights all require wiring to operatesafely and properly. With many sets of lights, users can easily confuseeach set of wires and its respective sets of lights. Conventionalvehicles include these lights pre-assembled for consumers. However,consumers may desire to attach vehicle attachments, such as trailers,that also require lights. Likewise, consumers may need to replace lightsafter driving their vehicle for extended periods of time.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, a circuit board cover can have a housing having a firstsurface, a perimeter edge, and a housing cavity partially defined by thefirst surface and the perimeter edge, a skirt extending from theperimeter edge away from the first surface in a first direction topartially define the housing cavity, the housing cavity operable tohouse a printed circuit board, and a plurality of ports disposed on thefirst surface, each of the plurality of ports including (i) a sidewallextending away from the first surface in a second direction opposite tothe first direction, (ii) a port cavity partially defined by thesidewall, and (iii) one or more terminals disposed at least partiallywithin the port cavity.

In another aspect, the first surface can include a first section and asecond section, such that the first section includes a first subset ofthe plurality of ports configured to receive a plug for a main set oflights, and the second section includes a second subset of the pluralityof ports configured to receive a second plug for a second set of lights.

In another aspect, the one or more terminals are molded into the circuitboard cover and configured to provide an electrical connection with theprinted circuit board.

In another aspect, the printed circuit board is mounted within thehousing cavity and configured to receive electricity via a vehicle powersource and route the electricity via the electrical connection providedby the one or more terminals through the port cavity.

In another aspect, the circuit board cover can further include a plugreleasably secured to at least one of the plurality of ports, such thatthe electricity is communicated through the electrical connection to theplug.

In another aspect, the circuit board cover can further include indiciadisposed on the skirt for designating a first subset of the plurality ofports for a first use and a second subset of the plurality of ports fora second use.

In another aspect, the circuit board cover can further include aplurality of mounting flaps protruding from the skirt in a thirddirection, each of the plurality of mounting flaps including a receiveroperable to receive a mounting component and enable securing of thecircuit board cover to a vehicle body, wherein the third direction isorthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.

In another aspect, the first surface can include a first half and asecond half, and wherein a first subset of the plurality of ports aredisposed on the first half and a second subset of the plurality of portsare disposed the second half, and wherein the first subset and thesecond subset are different ports.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-recited and other advantages and features of the presenttechnology will become apparent by reference to specific implementationsillustrated in the appended drawings. A person of ordinary skill in theart will understand that these drawings only show some examples of thepresent technology and would not limit the scope of the presenttechnology to these examples. Furthermore, the skilled artisan willappreciate the principles of the present technology as described andexplained with additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows an example environment having a circuit board cover mountedto a portion of a vehicle;

FIG. 2 shows an example environment having a circuit board cover mountedto a portion of a vehicle;

FIG. 3 shows a top isometric exploded view of a circuit board cover anda circuit board;

FIG. 4 shows a top isometric assembled view of a circuit board cover anda circuit board;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective bottom view of a circuit board cover; and

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the circuit board cover of FIG. 4along cross-section line 6-6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various examples of the present technology are discussed in detailbelow. While specific implementations are discussed, it should beunderstood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A personskilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components andconfigurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope ofthe present technology. In some instances, well-known structures anddevices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitatedescribing one or more aspects. Further, it is to be understood thatfunctionality that is described as being carried out by certain systemcomponents may be performed by more or fewer components than shown.

Turning now to the figures, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exampleenvironment having a circuit board cover 110 mounted (e.g., viafasteners 102) to a portion 101 of a vehicle 100 (e.g., a trailer of avehicle). Circuit board cover 110 can house a circuit board (obscuredfrom view in FIG. 1 and better shown in FIG. 3 ) and secure the circuitboard to vehicle 100. Circuit board cover 110 can be mounted to mountingplates, a mounting area, vehicle abutment surface, or any portion 101 ofvehicle 100 to provide securement by creating a seal. For example,circuit board cover 110 can be mounted to an inside panel of vehicle100, such as part of a trunk of the vehicle. As another example, circuitboard cover 110 can be mounted to an outside of vehicle 100, such that aplurality of ports 150 on a first surface 120 are easily accessible. Inother words, circuit board cover 110 can be operable to be a circuitboard cover, a circuit board protector, power routing module, and/or abreakout module for the circuit board. As will be discussed furtherbelow, a lower abutment surface 138 of circuit board cover 110 can, insome embodiments, provide a seal by abutting against a vehicle abutmentsurface 101 or any portion 101 of vehicle 100, such that the sealprotects the circuit board from dust, dirt, water, etc. Additionally,circuit board cover 110 can be configured to provide an electricalconnection between the circuit board and the plurality of ports 150 oncircuit board cover 110. The plurality of ports 150 can interface withone or more plugs 160 that provide power to one or more lights 104 forvehicle 100.

A plurality of mounting flaps 134 can extend or protrude from skirt 132in a third direction. The third direction can be orthogonal to both thefirst direction and the second direction. Each mounting flap 134 caninclude a receiving aperture 136 (better shown in FIGS. 3-5 ) operableto receive fasteners 102 (e.g., a screw or bolt) and enable orfacilitate securing of circuit board cover 110 (e.g., to a portion ofvehicle 100). As shown better shown in FIGS. 3-5 receiving apertures 136may also be slots, such that the slots provide a range of motion alongthe slot. In some embodiments, the slots may be in different directions.For example, as shown, one slot has a length along a longer axis ofcircuit board cover 110, while another slot has a length along a shorteraxis of circuit board cover 110. By utilizing slots in differentdirections, circuit board cover 110 can be mounted (e.g., to a portionof vehicle 100) more easily and with more degrees of freedom along theaxes of the slots.

FIG. 2 illustrates circuit board cover 110 mounted to portion 101 ofvehicle 100. More specifically, circuit board cover 110 can, wheninstalled, be positioned behind light 104. In other words, circuit boardcover 110 can be installed in locations of vehicle 100, such thatcircuit board cover 110 is obscured from view when installed. However itis to be understood, that circuit board cover 110 can also be installedin any portion 101 of vehicle 100.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of circuit board cover 110 andcircuit board 210. As discussed briefly above, circuit board cover 110can be operable to house circuit board 210. Furthermore, circuit boardcover 110 can be operable to provide an electrical connection fromcomponents 212 of circuit board cover 110 through a plurality of ports150 of circuit board cover 110. As shown in FIG. 2 , in someembodiments, circuit board cover 110 can manufactured to be generallyplanar and/or substantially similar in shape and size to circuit board210. It is to be understood, however, that circuit board cover 110 canbe created in any general shape and/or size operable to house circuitboard 210.

Circuit board 210 can have components 212 and tracks 214. Additionally,circuit board 210 can include through-hole technology, surface-mounttechnology, and/or any combination thereof.

Components 212 can be operable to interface with terminals (e.g.,terminals 156) to communicate electricity and/or electrical currentstherethrough. For example, components 212 can be endpoint of a track214. As another example, component 212 can be a through-hole that caninterface with a terminal (not shown).

Circuit board 210 can also have a non-conductive area 216 foraccommodating stabilizing features (e.g., stabilizing features 170discussed below). Non-conductive area 216 can be operable to provide anarea to receive stabilizing features to reduce movement of circuit board210. In some embodiments, the non-conductive area may be an apertureconfigured to receive mounting fasteners and/or stabilizing features 170therethrough.

Circuit board 210 can also have a notch 218. Notch 218 is operable toreceive a protrusion (e.g., ridge 172) to reduce movement of circuitboard 210 when circuit board 210 is disposed within circuit board cover110.

Circuit board 210 is operable to receive electricity from a power source(e.g., a vehicle power source, car battery, etc.). Additionally, circuitboard 210 can route the electricity from, to, and/or through terminals156 (e.g., via an electrical connection provided by terminals 156). Forexample, at least one of ports 150 can receive incoming power from thevehicle and provide electricity through terminals 156, such that circuitboard 210 can receive the electricity from the power source throughterminals 156, when circuit board 210 is installed in circuit boardcover 110. Additionally, at least one other of ports 150 can send powerfrom circuit board 210 to plug 160 of lights 104.

FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit board cover assembly and, morespecifically, circuit board 210 housed within circuit board cover 110.Circuit board cover 110 can be constructed to have a first surface 120,a perimeter edge 130, a skirt 132, a housing cavity 140 (shown in FIG. 5), and a plurality of ports 150.

First surface 120 can be divided into one or more sections 122 a, 122 b,122 c, 122 d (collectively sections 122) on first surface 120.Similarly, first surface 120 can also be divided into one or more halves124 a, 124 b (collectively halves 124) on first surface 120.

Sections 122 and halves 124 can be defined on first surface 120, suchthat each section 122 and/or half 124 has one or more ports 150. Forexample, first half 124 a may have a first subset of ports 150, whilesecond half 124 b has a second subset of ports 150. Furthermore, thefirst subset of ports 150 and the second subset of ports 150 can havedifferent ports, such that ports 150 of first half 124 a can accommodatedifferent plugs than ports 150 of second half 124 b. Similarly, sections122 can be configured to receive plugs for different sets of lights. Forexample, first section 122 a can have ports configured to receive a plugfor a main set of lights, while second section 124 a can have portsconfigured to receive a plug for a second set of lights (e.g., road sidelights, rear lights, etc.).

First surface 120 can also have indicia 126. Indicia 126 can be used tolabel and/or designate ports 150, sections 122, and/or halves 124 forspecific uses. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates indicia 126 that labelseach individual port in each section 122 and on each half 124. Asfurther illustrated in FIG. 4 , indicia 126 designates some ports as forblack or gray lights, while designating other ports for orange or greenlights. It is further contemplated that indicia 126 can be displayed orplaced on a skirt 132. For example, as further illustrated in FIG. 4 ,indicia 126 designates sections 122 having subsets of ports 150 as beingused for main, road side, ID/license, or curb side. However, it is to beunderstood that other uses can be utilized and that the depicted usesand indicia are for explanatory purposes only.

First surface 120 can also have structural ribs 128. Structural ribs 128can provide additional structural support to circuit board cover 110.For example, structural ribs 128 can be laterally across (e.g., along ashorter axis of first surface 120) circuit board cover 110 to provideadditional lateral support to circuit board cover 110. Although notshown, it is further contemplated that structural ribs 128 can belongitudinally along (e.g., along a longer axis of first surface 120) toprovide additional longitudinal support to circuit board cover 110. Itis also contemplated that structural ribs 128 can be diagonally acrosscircuit board cover 110 to provide both latitudinal and longitudinalsupport to circuit board cover 110.

First surface 120 can also have one or more annular shoulders 129.Annular shoulders 129 can be operable to provide flex to one or morestabilizing features 170. For example, as circuit board cover 110 issecured to vehicle 100, stabilizing features 170 may be forced againstcircuit board 210. Excess force against circuit board 210 may causecircuit board 210 to break. Accordingly, annular shoulders 129 provideflex to prevent stabilizing features 170 from applying excessive forceagainst circuit board 210.

Circuit board cover 110 can have a perimeter edge 130 defined around aperiphery of first surface 120. Skirt 132 can extend from perimeter edge130 away from first surface 120 in a first direction to partially definehousing cavity 140.

Skirt 132 may also have a shoulder 133. Shoulder 133 may becircumferentially around first surface 120. Shoulder 133 can be operableto provide flex to skirt 132. For example, as circuit board cover 110 issecured to vehicle 100, shoulder 133 provides flex to allow skirt 132 tocreate a tight seal between lower abutment surface 138 and portion 101of vehicle 100 as shown in FIG. 2 .

Ports 150 are configured to provide an electrical connection betweencircuit board 210 and one or more plugs 160 in communication with ports150. Additionally, ports 150 can be constructed to have a sidewall 152and one or more terminals 156.

Sidewall 152 can is operable to receive and secure plug 160. As shown inFIG. 3 , sidewall 152 can extend away from first surface 120 in a seconddirection, which may be opposite to the first direction. In someembodiments, sidewall 152 can be operable in shape to a cross-section ofa capsule to accommodate plug 160. However, it is to be understood thatsidewall 152 can be constructed in any shape and/or size to receive andsecure plug 160, which may similarly have a wide variety of shapesand/or sizes. Furthermore, sidewall 152 can have a shape and/or sizesubstantially similar to plug 160 to provide a friction fit securement.

Sidewall 152 can also have port ribs 153 operable to provide structuralsupport to sidewall 152 and port 150. More specifically, port ribs 153can provide both and horizontal structural support.

Sidewall 152 can also have a protrusion 154 configured to facilitatesecurement of plug 160. More specifically, protrusion 154 can beoperable to provide a securing mechanism that removably secures plug160. For example, protrusion 154 can be configured to be generallytriangular prism in shape, such that a thicker end of protrusion 154extends away from a distal end of sidewall 152 with respect to firstsurface 120. In other words, protrusion 154 can receive and secure a tab162 with an aperture 164 on plug 160, such that tab 162 may flex awayfrom sidewall 152 until protrusion 154 fits into aperture 164 as plug160 is attached onto port 150. To remove plug 160, a user may pull ontab 162 to guide aperture 164 of tab 162 over the thicker end ofprotrusion 154 and pull tab 162 and/or plug 160 away from port 150. Itis to be understood that other securing mechanisms may be used,alternatively or additionally, to protrusion 154 including, but notlimited to, latches, threads, fasteners, etc. Similarly, one of ordinaryskill in the art would understand that male and/or female parts of thesecuring mechanisms (e.g., protrusion and aperture) may be constructedon either sidewall 152 or plug 160.

Terminals 156 are operable to provide electrical connectionstherethrough. Terminals 156 can extend away from first surface 120 inthe second direction. Similarly, terminals 156 can be substantiallyparallel to sidewalls 152. Each port 150 can be configured to have anynumber of terminals 156. For example, some ports 150 (e.g., ports 150 onhalf 124 b) may have more terminals 156 than other ports 150 (e.g.,ports 150 on half 124 a). In some embodiments, terminals 156 can bemolded onto and/or through first surface 120. It is further contemplatedthat terminals 156 can be constructed onto first surface 120 throughother methods of manufacture including, but not limited to, co-molding,extrusion, casting, etc. Additionally, terminals 156 can be constructedusing a variety of different metals and/or alloys to provide a desiredamount of current flow therethrough.

FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective bottom view of circuit board cover 110.As discussed briefly above, circuit board cover 110 may have firstsurface 120 and skirt 132. First surface 120 and skirt 132 can partiallydefine housing cavity 140. Housing cavity 140 is operable to housecircuit board 210.

Additionally, circuit board cover 110 can have stabilizing features 170that extend from the first surface in the first direction. In otherwords, the stabilizing features 170 may extend from the first surfaceand inward towards the housing cavity 140. Stabilizing features 170 canprovide additional structural support to circuit board cover 110, whilealso reducing movement of circuit board 210, which may be housed withinhousing cavity 140. More specifically, stabilizing features 170 can beoperable to prevent excess movement of circuit board 210 (e.g., along anaxis defined by the first and second direction) when circuit board 210is disposed within circuit board cover 110.

Stabilizing features 170 may also have an opening 171. Opening 171 canbe used to receive additional fasteners to mount circuit board cover 110to vehicle 100.

Circuit board cover 110 may also have ridges 172 that extend inwardsfrom sidewall 152 into housing cavity 140. Like stabilizing features170, ridges 172 can provide additional structural support to circuitboard cover 110, while also reducing movement of circuit board 210. Forexample, ridges 172 can provide lateral support and reduce lateralmovement of circuit board 210 when circuit board 210 is housed withinhousing cavity 140 of circuit board cover 110. Additionally, ridges 172can act as a key to notch 218, as discussed above.

Housing cavity 140 may also be partially defined by shoulder surface174. Shoulder surface 174 may be constructed recessed inward from firstsurface 120 to prevent excess contact between circuit board 210 andfirst surface 120.

First surface 120 may also have recesses 158 around terminals 156.Recesses 158 can reduce a surface area of first surface 120 that maycome in contact with circuit board 210. Thus, recesses 158 can assist inmaintaining optimal current from circuit board 210 through terminals156. Additionally, recesses 158 can reduce a total amount of materialused to manufacture circuit board cover 110.

Mounting portions 134 may also have a skeleton structure 135. Skeletonstructure 135 provides both structural support and flex to mountingportions 134 to facilitate strong securement between mounting portions134 and portion 101 of vehicle 100.

As discussed briefly above, circuit board cover 110 may also have alower abutment surface 138. Lower abutment surface 138 can provide aseal between circuit board cover 110 and a portion of vehicle 100 aroundhousing cavity 140 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2 .). Accordingly, housingcavity 140 and circuit board 210 housed therein can be protected by theseal provided between lower abutment surface 138 and vehicle 100. Insome embodiments, the seal can be waterproof and weatherproof by virtueof a material of the lower abutment surface 138. In some embodiments,the material of the lower abutment surface 138 may be the same as ordifferent from a material of circuit board cover 110.

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of circuit board cover 110 alongcross-section line 6-6.

As discussed above, circuit board cover 110 can have ports 150, havingsidewalls 152, protrusion 154, and terminals 156. Plug 160 can attach toand be secured by ports 150. More specifically, the attachment betweenport 150 and plug 160 can be a friction fit attachment between sidewall152 and plug 160. Additionally, aperture 164 of tab 162 fits overprotrusion 154, such that plug 160 is releasably secured to port 150. Inother words, protrusion 154 secures, via aperture 164, tab 162, and tab162 can be released from protrusion 154 by pulling tab 162 away fromprotrusion 154 and lifting away from circuit board cover 110.

Additionally, in some embodiments, plug 160 can include a hardshellconnector 165, ribs 166, and an insulator 167.

Hardshell connector 165 can interface with a port abutment surface 159.Hardshell connector 165 can be operable to abut against port abutmentsurface 159. Port abutment surface 159 and hardshell connector 165provide stability to the connection between port 150 and plug 160.Furthermore, a height of sidewall 152, port abutment surface 159, andhardshell connector 165 can be configured to prevent a lower end ofhardshell connector 165 from reaching a bottom of port 150. Similarly,these elements can be adjusted to configure any desired distance betweenhardshell connector 165 and the bottom of port 150. Furthermore,hardshell connector 165 provides additional structural support toprevent breaking terminal 156 when plug 160 is inserted into andinstalled in port 150.

Ribs 166 can provide additional structure to facilitate friction fitsecurement between plug 160 and port 150. Furthermore, ribs 166 can beof a material that insulates a cable 168 of plug 160 to preventelectricity and/or electrical currents from escaping plug 160. Althoughnot shown in the figures, it is further contemplated that in someembodiments, ribs 166 and/or port ribs 153 can be constructed so thatribs 166 can abut port ribs 153 for additional support and reduction ofmovement of plug 160 when installed in port 150. Additionally, ribs 166can provide a seal (e.g., via friction fit securement) around plug 160,such that when plug 160 is installed in port 150, ribs 166 prevent dirt,grime, liquid, and other material from entering port 150. Ribs 166 canbe constructed of silicone or other plastics to achieve the seal.

Insulator 167 is operable to insulate cable 168 and receive terminal156. Furthermore, insulator 167 provides additional structural supportto prevent breaking terminal 156 when plug 160 is inserted into andinstalled in port 150. Insulator 167 can be an overmolded cable sealthat protects and seals cable 168 from dirt, grime, liquid, and othermaterial from reaching cable 168.

Terminals 156 are configured to extend through first surface 120 toprovide electricity and/or electrical currents from circuit board 210through terminals 156 to plug 160. As shown, terminals 156 can beconfigured to communicate with cable 168 of plug 160 to allowcommunication of electricity and/or electrical currents.

Having described elements of circuit board cover 110, the disclosure nowturns to benefits, functions, and use or installation of circuit boardcover 110. Circuit board cover 110 is operable to provide insulation andprotect circuit board 210. More specifically, circuit board cover 110can protect circuit board 210 from dirt, gravel, water, and otherelements or debris. For example, circuit board cover 110 can createhouse circuit board 210 and provide a seal (e.g., a friction fit,watertight seal between lower abutment surface 138 and a portion of avehicle 100). Additionally, circuit board cover 110 insulates circuitboard 210 by routing electricity and/or electrical currents throughterminals 156. Similarly, circuit board cover 110 can prevent leakage ofelectricity and/or electrical currents by being composed of anon-conductive material (e.g., plastic).

Circuit board cover 110 can be installed onto a portion of a vehicle.For example, circuit board cover 110 can mount onto a trailer of avehicle, a bumper, a trunk, etc. Circuit board cover 110 can first housecircuit board 210 therein. More specifically, circuit board 210 can bedisposed inside of circuit board cover 110, such that components 212 ofcircuit board cover 210 can be in communication with terminals 156 ofcircuit board cover 110. Circuit board cover 110 can then be securedonto the vehicle (e.g., by fastening mounting flaps 134 onto a mountingportion of vehicle 100 with fasteners 102). Circuit board cover 110 canthen receive, via ports 150, plug 160 for a light and/or a set oflights.

Although a variety of examples and other information was used to explainaspects within the scope of the appended claims, no limitation of theclaims should be implied based on particular features or arrangements insuch examples, as one of ordinary skill would be able to use theseexamples to derive a wide variety of implementations. Further andalthough some subject matter may have been described in languagespecific to examples of structural features and/or method steps, it isto be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claimsis not necessarily limited to these described features or acts. Forexample, such functionality can be distributed differently or performedin components other than those identified herein. Rather, the describedfeatures and steps are disclosed as examples of components of systemsand methods within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A circuit board cover comprising: a housinghaving a first surface, a perimeter edge of the first surface, and ahousing cavity partially defined by the first surface and the perimeteredge; a skirt extending from the perimeter edge between the firstsurface and a lower abutment surface to at least partially define thehousing cavity, the lower abutment surface operable to form a watertightseal with a portion of a vehicle body, the housing cavity operable tohouse a printed circuit board; and a plurality of ports disposed on thefirst surface, each of the plurality of ports including (i) a sidewallextending away from the first surface in a second direction opposite tothe first direction, (ii) a port cavity partially defined by thesidewall, and (iii) one or more terminals disposed at least partiallywithin the port cavity.
 2. The circuit board cover of claim 1, wherein,the first surface includes a first section and a second section, thefirst section includes a first subset of the plurality of portsconfigured to receive a plug for a main set of lights, and the secondsection includes a second subset of the plurality of ports configured toreceive a second plug for a second set of lights.
 3. The circuit boardcover of claim 1, wherein the one or more terminals are molded into thecircuit board cover and configured to provide an electrical connectionwith the printed circuit board.
 4. The circuit board cover of claim 3,wherein, the printed circuit board is mounted within the housing cavityand configured to receive electricity via a vehicle power source androute the electricity via the electrical connection provided by the oneor more terminals through the port cavity.
 5. The circuit board cover ofclaim 4, further comprising: a plug releasably secured to at least oneof the plurality of ports, wherein the electricity is communicatedthrough the electrical connection to the plug.
 6. The circuit boardcover of claim 1, further comprising: indicia disposed on the skirt fordesignating a first subset of the plurality of ports for a first use anda second subset of the plurality of ports for a second use.
 7. Thecircuit board cover of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality ofmounting flaps protruding from the skirt in a third direction, each ofthe plurality of mounting flaps including a receiving aperture operableto receive a fastener and enable securing of the circuit board cover tothe vehicle body, wherein the third direction is orthogonal to the firstdirection and the second direction.
 8. The circuit board cover of claim1, wherein the first surface comprises a first half and a second half,and wherein a first subset of the plurality of ports are disposed on thefirst half and a second subset of the plurality of ports are disposedthe second half, and wherein the first subset and the second subset aredifferent ports.
 9. A circuit board protector comprising: a housinghaving a first surface, a perimeter edge of the first surface, and ahousing cavity partially defined by the first surface and the perimeteredge; a skirt extending from the perimeter edge between the firstsurface and a lower abutment surface to at least partially define thehousing cavity, the lower abutment surface operable to form a watertightseal with a portion of a vehicle body, the housing cavity operable tohouse a printed circuit board; and a plurality of ports disposed on thefirst surface, each of the plurality of ports including (i) a sidewallextending away from the first surface in a second direction opposite tothe first direction, (ii) a port cavity partially defined by thesidewall, and (iii) one or more terminals disposed at least partiallywithin the port cavity.
 10. The circuit board protector of claim 9,wherein, the first surface includes a first section and a secondsection, the first section includes a first subset of the plurality ofports configured to receive a plug for a main set of lights, and thesecond section includes a second subset of the plurality of portsconfigured to receive a second plug for a second set of lights.
 11. Thecircuit board protector of claim 9, wherein the one or more terminalsare molded into the circuit board protector and configured to provide anelectrical connection with the printed circuit board.
 12. A circuitboard protector comprising: a housing having a first surface, aperimeter edge of the first surface, and a housing cavity partiallydefined by the first surface and the perimeter edge; a skirt extendingfrom the perimeter edge between the first surface and a lower abutmentsurface to at least partially define the housing cavity, the lowerabutment surface operable to form a watertight seal with a portion of avehicle body, the housing cavity operable to house a printed circuitboard; and a plurality of ports disposed on the first surface, each ofthe plurality of ports including (i) a sidewall extending away from thefirst surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction,(ii) a port cavity partially defined by the sidewall, and (iii) one ormore terminals disposed at least partially within the port cavity,wherein, the printed circuit board is mounted within the housing cavityand configured to receive electricity via a vehicle power source androute the electricity via the electrical connection provided by the oneor more terminals through the port cavity.
 13. The circuit boardprotector of claim 12, further comprising: a plug releasably secured toat least one of the plurality of ports, wherein the electricity iscommunicated through the electrical connection to the plug.
 14. Thecircuit board protector of claim 9, further comprising: indicia disposedon the skirt for designating a first subset of the plurality of portsfor a first use and a second subset of the plurality of ports for asecond use.
 15. The circuit board protector of claim 9, furthercomprising: a plurality of mounting flaps protruding from the skirt in athird direction, each of the plurality of mounting flaps including areceiving aperture operable to receive a fastener and enable securing ofthe circuit board protector to the vehicle body, wherein the thirddirection is orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction.16. The circuit board protector of claim 9, wherein the first surfacecomprises a first half and a second half, and wherein a first subset ofthe plurality of ports are disposed on the first half and a secondsubset of the plurality of ports are disposed the second half, andwherein the first subset and the second subset are different ports. 17.A breakout module comprising: a housing having a first surface, aperimeter edge of the first surface, and a housing cavity partiallydefined by the first surface and the perimeter edge; a skirt extendingfrom the perimeter edge between the first and a lower abutment surfaceto at least partially define the housing cavity, the lower abutmentsurface operable to form a watertight seal with a portion of a vehiclebody, the housing cavity operable to house a printed circuit board; anda plurality of ports disposed on the first surface, each of theplurality of ports including (i) a sidewall extending away from thefirst surface in a second direction opposite to the first direction,(ii) a port cavity partially defined by the sidewall, and (iii) one ormore terminals disposed at least partially within the port cavity. 18.The breakout module of claim 17, wherein, the first surface includes afirst section and a second section, the first section includes a firstsubset of the plurality of ports configured to receive a plug for a mainset of lights, and the second section includes a second subset of theplurality of ports configured to receive a second plug for a second setof lights.
 19. The breakout module of claim 17, wherein the one or moreterminals are molded into the breakout module and configured to providean electrical connection with the printed circuit board.
 20. The circuitboard cover of claim 1, wherein, the first surface defines a firstplane, the lower abutment surface defines a second plane, and the firstplane extends parallel to and is spaced from the second plane.